U.S. reveals roster ahead of Mexico friendly

Graham Zusi (left) was called up to the United States for its April 2, 2014, friendly against Mexico. (Photo: Mexsport)

CHICAGO – The United States announced Wednesday that 22 players have been selected to participate in a training camp ahead of its international friendly against Mexico on April 2 at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona.

This will be the Americans’ final match before opening their 2014 FIFA World Cup preparation camp.

"Everyone knows the clock is ticking," said head coach Jurgen Klinsmann. "This is a huge opportunity for our players to show where they are at and to make their case. We expect them to give a really strong performance against a Mexican team that is now basically coming back on track. They need to prove now that they badly want to go to Brazil."

Led by Seattle Sounders forward and U.S. captain Clint Dempsey, the vast majority of the roster consists of players from Major League Soccer, with a total of 19 players from 11 clubs. The Puebla pair of DaMarcus Beasley and Michael Orozco come from Liga MX.

Since the match does not fall on an international fixture date, a great majority of the team’s European-based players will not be available. Bayern Munich forward Julian Green, though, received permission to participate in what could be his first full international appearance.